Devine Scripture

Luke 17:7

What does Luke 17:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Luke 17:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Luke 17:7 means

Jesus begins a short parable about a servant returning from fieldwork. No ordinary master would tell the servant to sit down immediately for a meal. The illustration highlights normal expectations in a master–servant relationship: work first, then rest and refreshment. Its aim is to expose entitlement in disciples. Obedience to God’s commands, even strenuous service, does not put Him in our debt. We are creatures, not creditors. The parable gently confronts any spirit that bargains with God, reminding us that serving Him is fitting and right. We do our duty out of loyalty and love, not to secure praise or leverage.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But who is there of you, having a servant plowing or keeping sheep, that will say unto him, when he is come in from the field, Come straightway and sit down to meat;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But who is there of you, having a servant plowing or keeping sheep, that will say unto him, when he is come in from the field, Come straightway and sit down to meat;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But which of you, having a servant who is ploughing or keeping sheep, will say to him, when he comes in from the field, Come now and be seated and have a meal,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`But, who is he of you--having a servant ploughing or feeding--who, to him having come in out of the field, will say, Having come near, recline at meat?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But which of you, having a servant ploughing or feeding cattle, will say to him, when he is come from the field: Immediately go. Sit down to meat.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But which of you [is there] who, having a bondman ploughing or shepherding, when he comes in out of the field, will say, Come and lie down immediately to table?

Context

This teaching follows Jesus’ assurance about the power of small faith (verse 6) and turns to guard against pride that might arise from obedience. He sketches common-sense expectations in a household to frame the attitude His followers should have. The next verses continue the scenario (verses 8–9) and land with a clear application: consider yourselves unprofitable servants who have only done what duty requires (verse 10). This humility complements the earlier emphasis on faith, forming a balanced picture of discipleship—trusting much, serving faithfully, and claiming no merit.

v.6And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye would say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou rooted up, and be thou planted in the sea; and it would obey you.

v.7This passage

v.8and will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?

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